This Week at St. Mary's-in-Tuxedo
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Saturday, February 29
5pm - Contemplative Evensong at the St. Mark's Altar
Sunday, March 1
8am - Holy Eucharist in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit
9:50am - Infant/Childcare
10am - Holy Eucharist with choir and organ
Food and fellowship follows in Bentley Hall
Wednesday, March 4
10am - Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
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Dear Parishioners and Friends,
“Remember that you are dust, and unto dust you shall return.”
These are the words heard by Christians around the world yesterday as the Church began the season of Lent. “Ashing” is a peculiar custom that is oddly popular, especially in light of what it represents. It is a visible mark of our mortal nature. It says “I’m going to die.” I can’t begin to know what draws each individual person to the rail for this rite. I am sure that though it is done in public, it is deeply personal to each of you; a moment to stop and meditate on the brevity of your life and to remember those who have gone.
The priest has a different perspective. As the celebrant, I have the privilege to come to each of you with this sacramental rite. I see the elderly, who may be contemplating the end of their lives keenly. I see the middle aged, youth, and even the little children -- they are the hardest to “ash.” I see a broad variety of canvasses as well. Day-to-day I pay very little attention to your forehead. But on this one day they are in sharp focus. I note how each one is unique, yet all unified in their shared humanity.
How miserable a practice this would all be if there was not hope on the other side. But thanks be to God, we do have hope. The marking with the dedicated ash at Lent mirrors another rite: the chrismation at baptism. In the same way, the priest marks the baptisand with the sweet holy oil of chrism and says, “You are sealed by the Holy Spirit in Baptism and marked as Christ’s own forever.”
Though this body be destroyed, yet in my flesh shall I see God.
Father Rick
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Our seasonal Saturday evening service continues thru March. Please join us at 5pm at the St. Mark's altar in the nave of the main church. Come as you are for this contemplative service of Evensong, which includes readings from the mystic Teresa of Avila.
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Thank you to everyone who helped make our annual Mardi Gras celebration last Sunday so much fun -- what a great way to close out the season of Epiphany! Thank you especially to Greg and Patte Stevens, our chefs, who prepared a delicious breakfast, and all the artists who performed in the Talent Show to benefit our Outreach program. Please visit our Facebook page for a
video
of the performances.
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Make Your Pledge for 2020
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Over the past few weeks, you have heard from Father Rick about the importance of financial giving as a spiritual practice, but also as a practical need. The reality of ministry in a large, historic building with a robust program is that doing these things takes money, and expenses almost never decrease. St. Mary's relies heavily on the generosity of her parishioners and friends to meet our budget. Your pledge is not only a significant part of your spiritual and civic life, but also a valuable tool for helping the parish leadership get an accurate picture of the financial year ahead.
There are many worthy causes out there, and we understand that as engaged citizens you may contribute to multiple organizations. When you do, please bear in mind that the donor base for some high-profile entities dwarfs that of a parish church like us, and that we receive absolutely no outside funding. Your gift to St. Mary's will ensure that the God of Abraham is glorified not only through our worship, but in our deeds. God's word will be preached and heard, and faithful people will be inspired to go out to do his will. The hungry will be fed, the naked clothed, the sick comforted. The sheer amount of good that flows forth from this place is astonishing, and it is all because of you.
Please make your
pledge
to the mission and ministry of this integral part of our community. May God bless you in your generosity.
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Now Recruiting for Ministries and Committees
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The ways we serve God and our neighbor at St. Mary's are quite broad and impactful, but they all require the support of volunteers like you. There are many ways to get involved, deepen your faith, and help make a difference in the life of your neighbor, our community, and the broader world.
We are in particular need of acolytes, readers, and coffee hour hosts on Sundays, as well as committee members for Christian Education, Building & Grounds, and Finance. Please check out our
ministries page
to learn more about how we serve, and
sign up here
to share your interests/abilities.
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All are truly welcome at St. Mary's, which is located within the historic gates of Tuxedo Park and serves the entire Tuxedo community. Please tell the gatehouse you're going to St. Mary's, proceed thru the gates and we're on the right (plenty of parking available).
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How to contact us...
Office: 845.351.5122
PreSchool: 845.351.2389
Physical Address: 10 Fox Hill Rd, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 637, Tuxedo Park, NY 10987
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